Accessories

Turtle Shell, a go-anywhere Bluetooth boombox

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 2, 2017

True to its name, the Turtle Shell is weather resistant and can take a beating. Not all Bluetooth speakers can say the same. Designed by Outdoor Technology, the dust and shock proof unit is also water-resistant for those nights by the pool or occasional rainstorm.

Producing "Stuff you probably want" is the pride and driving mantra for this group of easy going devs. The pyramid triangular design and bold colors give Turtle Shell a unique design that is modern and appealing. When using it in the office, several passersby stopped just to comment on the aesthetic and one of my office mates even took it home for a party. But, according to Outdoor Tech, inside is the last place you should be using their wireless boombox...

EarSkinz add a pop of color to your white EarPods [review and giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated July 8, 2013

Yes, white headphones are a style of their own. Apple made lack of color famous with white headphones, starting with the iPod. Seeing someone parade down the street with a pair of slick white headphones indicated individuality and a seriousness for refined taste and class. White headphones previously noted a way to be different. Some may still try to make that argument, but with millions of iPhones sold every quarter, seeing a white pair of headphones is hardly unique.

EarSkinz is adding a flash of color to everyone's otherwise plain EarPods. The ES2's are designed to specifically hug the new Apple EarPod with form fitting fashion. Arguing the covers provide better comfort, fit, and sound, EarSkinz successfully received KickStarter funding to produce a full production line of their new pod covers.

I enjoyed using a pre-release pair for the past couple weeks and, inside, I take a closer look at a fairly simple accessory. As an added bonus, we are giving a pair of ES2's to 5 lucky readers...

Five cases to protect your iPhone at the beach

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated November 29, 2016

It was a pleasant time, gathered with family on the sandy East coast beach. There was a gentle breeze and a calming 80 degree forecast. Everything was going perfectly until I had the displeasure of dropping my naked iPhone on the beach. What a way to kill your afternoon.

Obviously, when Sebastien asked me to do a beach-friendly iPhone case roundup, I was certainly onboard with the idea. After spending the remainder of the afternoon making homemade ice cream and sucking the sand out of my iPhone's speakers, ports, and mute switch, I was cautiously excited to have removed all of the visible sand grains from my infected device. Nothing will stop your heart faster than dropping a $600 iPhone into the slushy beach sand, or swimming pool, or your favorite mixed drink, an oncoming wave, or everyone's favorite place to drop a phone, the toilet.

Inside, I highlight multiple waterproof options to keep your Apple product safe from the elements this summer, and year-round for that matter...

SolePower brings USB power to anyone that walks

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Determined to provide renewable power for all USB powered devices, SolePower transfers walking energy to a wearable storage unit for on-demand charging. While away from AC outlets, charging becomes increasingly difficult, even when toting around large solar panels. Similarly, battery backup cases only provide a specific amount of renewed life for a smartphone. The team of young engineers with SolePower insists on carrying a charging station all the time, in a shoe!

Walking motion capacitors are not new to the gadget scene, but an interchangeable sole is the new attraction. Adding SolePower is simple, just pull out the existing shoe insert and replace with a new iPhone charging version. Once the conversion is complete, walk between 2.5 and 5 miles to fully charge an iPhone...

Satechi releases 7 port aluminum USB 3.0 hub that matches your Mac [giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ June 3, 2013

Satechi just released a new USB 3.0 hub for the Mac enthusiasts. Long have we waited for a quality USB port extender that would match the design and look of the brushed aluminum. The new 7 port hub is smooth and compact, offering ample high speed connections for your various devices. As a powered unit, it offers up to 5Gbps over the 3.0 connection and comes in either black or white options...

The Scosche Railkase adds aluminum to the bumper case genre

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Bumper style cases are typically made with a silicone or TPU material. These rigid, yet jelly like materials are suitable for minor bumps and bruises but may not be so helpful for the rugged user. The RAILkase p5 by Scosche is a new case that combines bumper functionality with the protective framing of aluminum, and it just brought home a CES 2013 Design and Engineering award.

It is difficult to find metal bumper cases simply because of the nature of the bumper. A bumper case runs the rim of an iPhone, only providing protection on the sides and corners of your device. Thanks to the creative team at Scosche, the RAILkase utilizes a hinge and locking system to provide a nonbendable bumper option…

Inteliscope mounts an iPhone to your favorite tactical firearm

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Yes, you read the headline correctly. The Inteliscope will link technology with the firearms industry in mid-June. If there was ever a time you wished to use an iPhone as a scope, get excited because your weird and strange wish is now granted.

When I first received word from the InteliScope marketing relations team, I spent a while trying to determine what exactly this product is designed to do. Is it a game? Does it come with a fake gun? Is there a Bluetooth connection to the trigger for some type of modern Duck Hunt experience?

Well, no, it is nothing like that. This is not a game. In fact, one of the advantages of this accessory system, according to the company, is the ability to "shoot around corners with no head exposure." Creepy. Get the details past the fold...

Logitech introduces new Wired Keyboard for iPad

Cody Lee ∙ May 22, 2013

Wireless Bluetooth keyboards for the iPad are a dime a dozen these days. It seems like everyone makes them, including Kensington, Targus, and Belkin. In fact, ZAGG just launched a pair of new ones yesterday in the form of the Cover and the Folio.

But what you don't see everyday are wired keyboards for the iPad, like this one that Logitech just unveiled. The Wired Keyboard is durable, spill-resistant, doesn't require Bluetooth pairing or batteries, and comes in both 30-pin and Lightning flavors...

Kouros clothes your devices in premium Italian leather

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

On my quest to find a quality sleeve for my iPhone 5 and iPad mini, I stumbled upon many fakes or wannabe premium options. In fact, I have yet to find a sleeve to request for review. Thankfully, Kouros found me. A Portugal-based company priding itself on quality ingredients for its products, Kouros makes an exceptional sleeve for both iPhone 5 and mini.

All products are designed by the in house creative team through regular brainstorming, focusing on fashion trends that are practical for a technologically driven lifestyle. To that end, the company uses rigorous testing methods to ensure longevity, suitable look, and proper feel. For this review, I take a close look at the Essence for iPad mini and Prime for iPhone 5, both of which are simplistic, professional leather sleeves...

The Y-cam HomeMonitor boasts free cloud storage

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

As many of our frequent readers know, I am a fan of connected home products. In particular, several home Wi-Fi cameras are covered through our review section and today I take a close look at the Y-cam HomeMonitor system.

Developed by Y-cam Solutions, the 2005 startup company strives to create simple and affordable products for home and small business protection. In addition to hardware, software and firmware are also continually improved, according to the company description. I can vouch for their efforts having already received a firmware update since installing the unit.

Setting HomeMonitor apart from the competition, is the ability to store a full week of motion captures on company servers for no subscription charge. However, while offering a good benefit package, Y-cam HomeMonitor struggles on some basics...

Bluelounge smartly redesigns the MiniDock for iPhone 5

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated September 30, 2013

Covering several Bluelounge products in our review section, astute readers will now be somewhat familiar with the product line. Creating items from packs to docks, Bluelounge attempts to combine form and function for their small, yet clever array of items. The company, taking hints from both art and architecture, prides itself on "forward design aesthetic."

Well over a year ago, the MiniDock became a staple item for users trying to get rid of desktop clutter. A portable charging dock made carrying a 30 pin cable around the house a thing of the past. Today, Bluelounge updates their MiniDock with Lightning compatibility and refines a few nice touches at the same time. I was able to get my hands on a prerelease model and am impressed with the new features...

X-Doria adds a puff of color to otherwise dull accessories

Jim Gresham ∙ May 14, 2013

Recently, a slew of my reviews focused around connections made at CES 2013. In a predictable unchanging fashion, X-Doria is a company I bumped into during my travels in Vegas. Fairly new to the accessory scene, I like the high density color schemes and puffing ink used to give texture to many items of the X-Doria product line.

A friend from the company recently sent over the Dash Icon hardshell for MacBook Air. The shell is currently only available for the 13" model and also includes the standard puffing ink design. With a slightly raised surface and bold color options, X-Doria's mission is to place their products between technology and fashion...